Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-07
IELTS Writing Task 1 question
The chart below shows the number of households in the US by their annual income in 2007, 2011 and 2015.
Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.
Student answer (Band 5.5)
The bar graph illustrates the number of households by their annual income in the United States in 2007, 2011, and 2015.
Overall, the chart represents significant ups and downs in the quantity of residence via their yearly remuneration. There are total five different range of salaries are given, each of it showed dramatic change in figures of households over the years.
In 2007, number of households having less than $25,000 salaries were the highest (30 million) whereas families with $75,000-$99,999 were the lowest (14 million). However, in 2011 residence with $25,000-$49,999 income were greater (30 million) than the ones with less than $25,000.
Furthermore, the total count of homes having less than $25,000 rose significantly in 2011 with 33 million. Additionally, the count of dwellings receiving $50,000-$74,999 remain constant throughout the years (21 million). Families getting $75,000-$99,999 were increased in 2015 (15 million).
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which negatively impacts the score. While you have identified some main features, the analysis is somewhat superficial and lacks a clear, comprehensive overview of the trends. You have selected some data points, such as the highest and lowest categories, but the comparison between years is inconsistent. For instance, you mention the $50,000-$74,999 category remained constant, which is a good observation, but the overall summary lacks the depth required for a higher band. To improve, ensure you cover all categories and provide a more thorough comparison of the shifts over the three years provided.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and occasionally repetitive. For example, the transition 'Furthermore' and 'Additionally' are used in close proximity, which disrupts the flow. The progression of ideas is present but could be smoother; the jump between the 2007 data and the 2011 data feels a bit disjointed. To improve, try to use a wider variety of linking words and ensure that each paragraph has a clear thematic focus, such as grouping trends by income level or by year, rather than jumping between them.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, but it lacks the precision and variety expected at higher levels. You rely on basic terms like 'ups and downs', 'quantity', and 'remuneration'. While 'remuneration' is a good attempt at a formal term, it is slightly misused in this context; 'income' or 'earnings' would be more natural. There are also some awkward phrasings, such as 'residence with... income' when referring to households. To improve, focus on using more precise academic vocabulary related to data trends, such as 'fluctuations', 'remained stable', or 'experienced a marginal increase'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. For example, 'There are total five different range of salaries are given' is grammatically incorrect; it should be 'There are five different ranges of salaries'. Additionally, 'each of it showed' should be 'each of which showed'. Subject-verb agreement is also an issue, such as 'Families... were increased', which should be 'increased' (active voice). While the meaning is generally clear, these persistent errors in basic structure prevent a higher score. Focus on subject-verb agreement and correct preposition usage.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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